§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked whether any progress has been made with vesting the property of Mr. James W. Bond, at Drumhaughly, Micknagh, Rhyne, and Farragh in the tenants; and what steps are being taken to purchase from the landlord and divide amongst the uneconomic holdings the untenanted lands of Rhyne on this property?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners inform me that the lands on this estate which are the subject of proceedings for sale before the Estates Commissioners do not include any lands of Farragh. Some 132 acres of untenanted land have been included for sale to the Commissioners, who have had the lands inspected and the report of their inspector is under consideration.
§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked whether any further progress has been made by the Estates Commissioners towards the acquirement of the untenanted lands of Coolcraff, barony of Granard, county Long ford, which the landlord, Mr. James W. Bond, D.L., has expressed his desire to sell to them; and, if not, when a definite decision on the subject may be expected?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners understand that the owner is not prepared to sell the lands referred to at their estimated price. He has not instituted formal proceedings before the Commissioners for the sale of these lands under the Land Purchase Acts, and they have not taken any further action in the matter.
§ Mr. DANIEL BOYLEasked the Chief Secretary what progress has been made by the Congested Districts Board with the negotiations for the purchase of the Pratt Estate, Addergoole, county Mayo; if all necessary documents in connection with the estate have been over two years in the Board's possession and the official inspection completed twelve months ago; and, if so, will he say to what cause is the delay in completing the purchase attributable?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board inform me that the maps and documents necessary for a preliminary inspection of this property were lodged with the Board in January, 1911. The Board found it necessary to have a second valuation made of the property, and they hope to be in a position soon to consider the question of purchase.
§ Mr. O'SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that both landlord and tenants on the estate of Mrs. Clara Hartnett, Knockboul, county Cork, have agreed to sell and purchase through, the Congested Districts Board; and whether he will take steps to see the sale through?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am aware that the landlord and tenants on Mrs. Clara Hart- 1847W nett's estate have agreed to a sale through the Congested Districts Board. Maps of the estate have been lodged with the Board, and the agent has been asked to lodge some further particulars necessary for a preliminary inspection of the property. Pending receipt of the required information the Board cannot take any action with a view to purchasing the estate.
§ Mr. DANIEL BOYLEasked the Chief Secretary what steps, if any, have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to acquire the Morrell estate, Faulmore, near Belmullett, county Mayo; and if he is aware of the conditions under which the tenants are now living and of the tract of the best land let for grazing?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board are in correspondence with the owner on the subject.
§ Mr. GILHOOLYasked the Chief Secretary whether the tenants on the Leahy estate, Castletown Bere, county Cork, though having agreed to purchase their holdings, are still paying their full rents; and, if so, can he state when they will pay interest in lieu of rents?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe tenants on this estate are paying rent at present in accordance with provisional arrangements made with them pending completion of purchase of the estate. It cannot yet be stated when the holdings will be vested in the tenants, and when the annuities in lieu of rent will come into operation.
§ Mr. SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary the cause of the delay in having the Phillips estate, of Ballyshaneen, Berrings, county Cork, vested in the tenants; whether he is aware that the agreements to purchase were signed by the tenants in October, 1907; that other estates in the neighbourhood in which purchase agreements were signed at a later date have been taken out of their priority and vested in the tenants, as, for instance, the estate of Captain O'Conner; and can he explain the reason of this, and when will the tenants on the Phillips estate receive their vesting orders?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate is on the principal register (all cash) of direct sales, and has not been reached in order of priority to be dealt with. The Estates Commissioners cannot identify, from the particulars given, the estate of Captain O'Conner, to which the hon. Member refers.